Traveling in December doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. While many people associate this month with expensive airfare, sold-out hotels, and crowded tourist traps, the reality is that some destinations remain surprisingly budget-friendly, if you know where to look.
You might be thinking it’s too late to find something affordable. Or that every place worth visiting in December has already spiked in price. But here’s the truth: there are destinations around the world where December is either off-season or shoulder season, making them ideal for cost-conscious travelers who still want memorable experiences.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine, holiday lights, or a quieter cultural escape, this guide walks you through 12 of the best places to visit in December without breaking the bank, along with the key strategies for booking them smartly.
What Makes a Travel Destination Affordable in December?
A destination becomes budget-friendly in December when it escapes the usual tourist peaks. Prices tend to rise around Christmas and New Year’s, especially in ski resorts, beach towns, or cities famous for holiday festivities. But if you travel in the first two weeks of December, or choose places with lower international demand, you’ll often find significantly lower prices.
Accommodation, airfare, local transportation, and daily meals are your major cost factors. When all four align at the lower end of the scale, a destination becomes genuinely affordable. For example, cities like Hanoi or Cusco offer private rooms for under $20, meals under $5, and public transport under $1.
Also, countries with favorable exchange rates or generally low cost of living will stretch your travel budget much further than you’d expect. Southeast Asia, parts of Eastern Europe, and select Latin American cities consistently offer great value in December.
Key Considerations Before Booking a December Trip
Timing is everything when it comes to December travel. If you can travel before December 15th, you’ll often find significantly cheaper flights and accommodation. After that, holiday demand causes a sharp uptick in prices almost everywhere.
Book international flights at least two to six months in advance to access the best rates. Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to track fare changes. For accommodations, flexible booking platforms like Booking.com or Hostelworld can help you avoid cancellation penalties if prices drop.
Also, research local events in your destination. A quiet town may become expensive during a regional festival, while a normally pricey city might offer off-season deals if it’s not hosting major events.
When budgeting, factor in hidden costs like airport transfers, foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and local taxes. What looks cheap on paper might come with layered costs unless you plan carefully.
Affordable Winter Destinations in Europe
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest gives you big-city culture on a backpacker’s budget. In early December, the city is filled with Christmas markets and winter charm, but hotel prices are still manageable. You can soak in a historic thermal bath for less than $15 and enjoy stunning views from Fisherman’s Bastion without paying an entry fee. Affordable public transportation and low-cost local eateries make this a top winter pick.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s medieval squares and festive atmosphere in December come without the high price tag. While crowds build closer to Christmas, early December offers great weather, free public sites, and cheap local food. You’ll find hearty meals under $10 and accommodation starting around $25 per night in well-rated hostels or budget hotels.
Porto, Portugal
Porto combines riverside views, UNESCO architecture, and mild weather, making it one of Europe’s most affordable December destinations. Early December remains off-season, meaning fewer tourists and lower rates on stays. You can explore wine cellars, take riverfront walks, and dine well, all within a modest daily budget.
Cheap December Destinations in Asia
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai offers incredible weather, cultural richness, and very low costs in December. Although it’s technically a high season, the sheer volume of budget accommodations and street food stalls keeps prices low. A full day, meals, transport, lodging, and a temple visit, can cost less than $35. The city also hosts quieter festivals in early December with free public events.
Hanoi, Vietnam
If you’re looking for one of the cheapest cities in Asia with rich culture and great food, Hanoi stands out. December brings cool, dry weather, perfect for exploring the Old Quarter or visiting historical landmarks. Daily expenses can stay under $30, especially if you stick with local restaurants and use apps like Grab for cheap transport.
Goa, India
Goa in early December is warm, laid-back, and surprisingly affordable. While prices rise closer to Christmas, the first two weeks offer major savings. Beach huts, local beer, scooter rentals, and authentic seafood meals create a low-cost, high-quality beach holiday experience. Even mid-range hotels are reasonably priced outside of party hotspots.
Budget-Friendly Places to Travel in Latin America
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is a top pick for budget travelers who want culture, food, and colonial architecture. December kicks off with mild weather and few crowds before Christmas tourism spikes. You can find great hostels or family-run guesthouses under $30, while street food like tlayudas or tamales costs less than $2. The city’s markets and plazas offer free cultural immersion daily.
Medellín, Colombia
In December, Medellín glows, literally, with its famous Alumbrados Navideños light displays, a citywide celebration of the holidays. Despite the popularity of the event, Medellín remains very affordable. Airbnb options are abundant, local transit is efficient and cheap, and the city has a thriving café culture. For under $45 per day, you can stay comfortably, eat well, and enjoy the festivities.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is best known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but in early December it offers much more than that, on a budget. Fewer tourists mean lower rates at hostels, discounted tours, and more flexibility with bookings. You’ll find cozy guesthouses from $10 and guided experiences at half their high-season price. December is also a good time for cultural tourism, with local Christmas markets and Andean traditions in full swing.
Low-Cost December Getaways in the United States
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah offers historic southern charm with lower-than-expected prices in early December. The city’s architecture, public squares, and oak-lined streets are best explored on foot, no expensive activities required. Boutique inns and guesthouses are affordable outside of peak weekends, and the city’s walkability keeps transport costs low.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque might surprise you as a December destination, but it’s budget-friendly, scenic, and full of character. Local traditions like the River of Lights and luminaria displays add a festive vibe without costing a dime. Dining out is affordable, and short-term rentals or budget hotels are widely available for under $60 per night.
One Bonus Destination for Winter Sun on a Budget
Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)
Tenerife offers European infrastructure, subtropical temperatures, and cheap airfare from most EU countries. December is still off-season, so you can enjoy beaches, hiking trails, and island life without crowds. Public buses cover most of the island affordably, and even a short-term car rental can be had for less than $20/day. The warm weather, combined with low prices and dramatic landscapes, make Tenerife a rare winter bargain.
How to Save Even More on December Travel
To maximize savings, book flights mid-week and avoid traveling between December 20–31. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor fare drops, and consider booking flights and hotels as bundles on platforms like Expedia or Agoda.
Choose destinations where the currency exchange favors your home currency. Also, opt for local experiences, walking tours, street food, and public events, over commercial attractions. Staying in local guesthouses or Airbnb rentals can significantly reduce costs, especially in cities with affordable public transit.
FAQ – Budget Travel in December
What is the cheapest country to visit in December?
Vietnam ranks among the cheapest, with daily travel costs often under $30.
Are flights cheaper before or after Christmas?
Flights are cheaper before December 15. Prices spike after December 20.
Can you travel Europe on a budget in December?
Yes, especially in Eastern and Southern Europe. Cities like Budapest and Porto offer excellent value.
What warm destinations are affordable in winter?
Goa, Chiang Mai, and Tenerife provide warm climates and low travel costs in December.